Homecoming is a night to get dressed up, join a crowd, listen to music, dance, and embrace the energy for some students. But for others, it is a night to be stuck in a crowded room with overwhelming music while wearing uncomfortable clothes. For those who aren’t excited by the prospect of a Homecoming dance, what can they do to celebrate? 

“People didn’t really know how to act, and we didn’t have a lot of space to dance or anything,” senior Anna Thurman said about her experience at homecoming.

Use homecoming as an excuse to spend time with friends and do something interesting. Get dressed up in whatever feels comfortable and go to a restaurant or do something new. 

“It’s just not for me,” Thurman said.

Thurman spent Homecoming last year at Rio in Gaithersburg with friends. Thurman went to a restaurant and spent time wandering around Rio.

Not attending the dance doesn’t mean abandoning all homecoming traditions. There are still homecoming halls, spirit week, the pep rally, and the football game. So finding something else to do on Saturday night will not remove people from the school spirit of homecoming. 

“I do participate in the pep rally because I’m in marching band,” senior Agam Shahar said. “I’ll sometimes do the spirit stuff. It depends what the theme is and if it’s like easy to do.”

“I do spirit week when I can, ‘cause it’s like fun,” Thurman said. 

The homecoming dance is not obligatory and those who don’t feel inclined to go should do what they find fun and comfortable. Nights of celebration should not make people feel uncomfortable or excluded so there are lots of other ways to enjoy this special time. Spend the money for a ticket to homecoming on a movie with friends, go roller skating, find a concert with a new artist, or rent a paddle boat. Anything that is fun and suits people’s comfort is an option. 

“We just like hung out and got food and it was a lot more fun,” Shahar said.